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10 defensive players since 1975 that could have won Heisman

Can a defensive player win the Heisman? Jadeveon Clowney is a lead candidate for the trophy this season. USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg examines nine other defensive players from the past who were positioned well to win college football's most prestigious award.

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10 defensive players since 1975 that could have won Heisman

Can a defensive player win the Heisman? Jadeveon Clowney is a lead candidate for the trophy this season. USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg examines nine other defensive players from the past who were positioned well to win college football's most prestigious award. Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

2012: Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o. Te’o finished a close second to Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel after leading the Fighting Irish through a perfect regular season and spot in the BCS championship game. Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports

2011: LSU DB Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu was there with game-changing plays on defense or special teams for LSU, which went 13-0 before losing to Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game. Crystal LoGiudice, USA TODAY Sports

2009: Nebraska DL Ndamukong Suh. Suh controlled the line of scrimmage as well as any lineman in college football history, helping him finish fourth in the 2009 Heisman voting. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports

2001: Oklahoma DB Roy Williams. Williams’ had the year’s marquee play, a sack of Texas quarterback Chris Simms that sealed the Sooners’ win against their rival, and ended up winning the Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s best defender. Scott Halleran, Getty Images

1998: Georgia DB Champ Bailey. Like Charles Woodson only a year before, Bailey starred as both an All-American cornerback and valuable wide receiver for Georgia. Unlike Woodson, Bailey’s team didn’t compete for the national championship. John Bazemore, AP

1991: Washington DL Steve Emtman. Few interior linemen in the history of college football have had a greater impact. Emtman was the glue behind Washington’s undefeated season and co-national championship in 1991. USA TODAY Sports